Thursday, March 11, 2010
SC Unemployment reaches New Record (3/11/10)
South Carolina’s unemployment numbers reached a new record high in January with more than 4,500 people losing their jobs. The 12.6% rate for January was up two-tenths of a point from December according to figures released Wednesday by the South Carolina Employment Security Commission. A record 273,455 are out of work in the state. Unemployment rates climbed in each of the state’s 46 counties. In Oconee County, the jobless rate rose to 15.2% in January from December's adjusted figure of 14.4%. Oconee County ranked 23rd among the state's 46 counties, but higher than both the state and national averages. In neighboring counties, the unemployment numbers are better with Pickens County ranking 36th at 11.7% and Anderson County ranks 27th at 14.3%. The overall job count for January in South Carolina was 42,800 below the figure from the same time one year ago.
Westminster Store sells Winning Lottery Ticket (3/11/10)
A lucky Westminster resident is $200,000 richer. Bountyland Quick Stop in Westminster sold a winning instant game ticket for the In the Money game. The winner did not want her name released. Bountyland Quick Stop earned a $2,000 sales incentive for selling the winning ticket. In the Money is a $10 ticket with more than $4 million in prizes remaining in the game.
Clemson Women's Coach Resigns (3/11/10)
Cristy McKinney has resigned as coach of the Clemson women's basketball team. In a statement McKinney said a change was needed for both her and the university. McKinney had been coach for the last five years. She was never able to lead the Lady Tigers to a postseason appearance. Her team went 13-18 this year. McKinney's overall record at Clemson was 58-93.
Oconee Co School Board wants more state support (3/11/10)
Members of Oconee County School Board of Trustees are in unanimous agreement that, in spite of the economic crisis, the state must support public schools and prevent the loss of more teaching jobs by providing new streams of revenue. And one suggestion is by raising the state's lowest in the nation cigarette tax to the national average. In a resolution, the trustees Tuesday night called for further action by the state to enforce online sales tax collections and place a moratorium on the passage of any more laws that will grant additional tax exemptions. They are also resolute in their support of a legislative action to hold for one year, the Index of Taxpaying Ability in February 2009 and use it for funding in 2010-2011.
WMS Beta Club reaches out to Community (3/11/10)
In addition to setting academically high standards for student eligibility, another important aspect of the Jr. Beta program at Walhalla Middle School is community service or reaching out beyond the four walls of the school. With the recent economic situation in our nation, and more specifically, the Walhalla community, the club felt a strong need to provide food items to those affected by job loss and other adverse circumstances. Each Jr. Beta member at Walhalla Middle School was required to bring five non-perishable food items during the month of February. It is estimated that the club, both seventh and eighth grades combined, contributed 500 non-perishable items to this cause. All food items were taken to the Walhalla chapter of the American Red Cross for distribution to the community. This is just another way that the Jr. Beta Club at Walhalla Middle School has continued to reach out to a community in need.
New Attractions added to Seneca Fest (3/11/10)
More attractions have been added to this year’s fourth annual Seneca Fest Memorial Day Weekend on May 28th and 29th. With eleven weeks remaining, the Seneca Events Committee met on Wednesday to hear the latest enticements that have been added to the year’s festival in downtown Seneca. “We’ve got seven bands, just with the city and I know the Arts on the Alley have five bands scheduled to play,” said Seneca Recreation Director Rick Lacey. “We’ve added a 5K run and one mile fun run. All the inflatables have been booked. Bands have been booked. Its just all coming together and I think we’re way ahead of the game this year.” Lacey credits many of the new attractions and features of the festival to Riley Johnson, Seneca’s new events and public relations coordinator. Johnson suggested a 5K and one-mile fun run for the event and has spearheaded its organization. The inaugural Seneca Fest 5k and one-mile fun run is scheduled for Saturday, May 28th will follow a certified course through the beautiful downtown historic district. The race will start and finish at City Hall. Registration forms are available at City Hall and the Shaver Recreation Complex in Seneca. Information about the race is also available on the city’s website at www.seneca.sc.us. Seneca Fest will still feature the Education Foundation of Oconee County’s BBQ cook-off, Arts on the Alley, Cruise-In, concerts and much more. The headlining act of this year’s festival is the Atlanta Rhythm Section. “We’ve made so much progress planning this year’s festival,” stated Seneca City Councilman and Events Committee Chairman Joel Ward. “We have the Arts on the Alley, the Education Foundations’ BBQ Cook-off, the Cruise-In, and all the concerts. With the new 5K run and one-mile fun run and topping it all off with the Atlanta Rhythm Section, its going to be a great weekend.” Another new feature of the festival this year is up and coming artists performing on the Ram Cat Alley stage. “We had thought about getting somebody that was name recognizable but then our budget was not conducive to that so we looked to find area and regional artists that were up and coming,” explained Evelyn Owen, secretary and treasurer of the Ram Cat Alley Merchants Association. “They do play some cover music but they also play they’re own music. Several of these groups have a good following in the Greenville and Charleston areas, so we feel like they may draw some people to our festival.” The Ram Cat Alley Merchants Association will also hold a children’s art show as part of this year’s festival. This will feature art submitted from area schoolchildren in the poster contest that advertises Seneca Fest. Artwork will be displayed in different shops on Ram Cat Alley. Forms were sent out to area schools in January and art teachers have been asked to submit all the entries to the Ram Cat Alley Merchants Association. “We’re putting together a sign that will tell visitors where each sign is located, so parents and grandparents can find their child’s artwork,” added Owen. The Seneca Events Committee has scheduled meetings every two weeks leading up to the Seneca Fest Memorial Day Weekend on May 28th and 29th.
SC Parks now offer Gift Cards (3/11/10)
Add another place to the list that now sells gift cards, and the latest is South Carolina's state parks. The State Park Service now offers gift cards that can be used to rent cabins, campsites, shelters and meeting facilities at the 47 state parks across South Carolina. They can also be used to pay for park reservations. Park gift cards can be purchased in any denomination and can be reloaded for future purchases. The first two cards picture Hunting Island State Park on the coast and Lake Thurmond on the state's western border.
SC House passes Ban on Texting While Driving (3/11/10)
A measure to reduce distracted drivers on South Carolina roads is one step closer to becoming law. South Carolina motorists would be fined $25 if they're caught sending or reading text messages while they drive under legislation that won approval in the House. The chamber gave the bill a second reading by a 98-18 vote on Wednesday. Final approval is expected today. The bill started out with a $100 fine with the loss of two driving record points. The penalty under the current proposal carries the $25 fine but no points. Violations can't be reported to insurers. After today's mostly procedural vote, the bill will move to the South Carolina Senate.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Drive-by Shooting in Long Creek (3/10/10)
A 42-year-old Oconee County man was flown by helicopter to a Greenville hospital to be treated for what appears to have been an injury near the base of his neck. Oconee County Sheriff's deputies are investigating to determine if the man was the victim of a shooting alongside a Long Creek highway. Robert Dickerson Carnes is reported to be in stable condition and was quoted by an Oconee County Sheriff's deputy as saying he was walking along Highway 76 toward Long Creek General Store when he spotted an approaching pickup truck, then heard a "pop" and felt a stinging sensation on the back of his neck. The Oconee County Sheriff's Department is treating the incident as a case of aggravated assault.
Tractor-trailer flips on SC 24 (3/10/10)
A load of cotton bound for Clayton, Georgia was delayed during the night when a tractor-trailer flipped on SC 24 and Return Church Road. Oconee County HAZMAT Chief Bobby Williams said the driver was uninjured, but it took responders between two and two and a half hours to clear the wreck scene. Chief Williams says a minor fuel spill occurred and crews from Charlotte were due at the scene to salvage the cotton and send it on its way to Clayton.
Seneca Voters elect New Council (3/10/10)
In a close race, voters selected a newcomer and three incumbents to the Seneca City Council in Tuesday’s municipal election. The top four vote getters in the field of seven candidates were newcomer Scott Durham, and incumbents Joel Ward, Ernest “E” Riley and Andrea Alewine. Of the 4,607 registered voters in Seneca, just 866 or 18.7% cast ballots on Tuesday. Loosing by 46 votes two years ago, Scott Durham received the most votes in the 2010 race with 605. In his campaign, Durham vowed to work harder and meet even more voters this year. As a downtown barber located next door to city hall, Durham shook hands and knocked on doors to garner support. The move paid off, as he was the lone newcomer elected. “I’m real excited!” said Durham. “I look forward to working with the council, mayor, and administrator. It is going to be a good four years. The city is making progress and I’m looking forward to being a part of that.” Durham views jobs, financial stability, and low taxes as his top priorities. The main issues facing the city as Durham sees it are downtown revitalization, encouraging growth, and taking a pay as you go approach to government spending. Leading the field of incumbents, Joel Ward received 567 votes. Ward has been a member of the city council since 2002 and as chairman of the events committee, he has enhanced his status in the community by spearheading activities to bring more visitors and business to the city. “This is probably one of the most exciting moments in my life being elected for a third time,” said Ward. “I feel like the people have put their faith in me and I’m going to give it all I’ve got.” Ward views industry and jobs as his top priorities and said quality of life and cost of service are two of the main issues facing the city in the years to come. Leadership experience also paid off for Ernest “E” Riley, who won a fourth term on the city council with 438 votes. Riley has been a member of the Seneca City Council since 1998 and looks to continue improving the city over the next four years. “To everybody that came out and voted we appreciate your votes,” said Riley. “There were seven really good candidates and I think this is probably the best field that has run in a long time. I’m happy to have won that means the voters, I think, want us to continue the progress we’ve made, work to continue what we are doing, and show a greater leadership role in Oconee County.” Riley said his top priorities are a balanced budget in an era of state cuts to local government funds, downtown revitalization, and continued improvement of the city’s infrastructure. He sees the main issue facing the city as bringing more businesses downtown to increase the tax base. “I promise to continue to serve as a positive voice for growth and to work with others to bring in jobs,” added Riley. The lone female in the race was Andrea Alewine, who garnered 429 votes to win another four years on council. Alewine was first elected in 2006 and pledges to continue her crusade to better the city for all its citizens. “I’m excited!” exclaimed Alewine. “Wish we could have had more voters but we’ll take what we can get and I think this will be a good group of people to work with.” Her top priorities are to fill downtown storefronts and to remove derelict homes and buildings within the city limits. Alewine promises voters to use her qualifications to serve the citizens of Seneca to the best of her abilities. “I am a public servant with the pleasure of the majority as my main goal,” stated Alewine. The Municipal Election Commission of the City of Seneca will certify the election results today and have scheduled a hearing to determine the validity of any ballots challenged in the election for Thursday at noon at Seneca City Hall. Any potential run-off would be held on March 23. “With the election I know there has to be winners and losers,” stated Seneca Mayor Dan Alexander. “I know the ones that won are extremely happy and the ones that lost, I feel for them too. I am looking forward to the new council coming on board. We have a number of things going on in Seneca. It’s all about teamwork and I’m very excited about the people that won and I look forward to working with them.”
Daylight Savings Time to affect Regional Airport (3/10/10)
This weekend’s start of Daylight Savings Time will mean a change in business hours at the Oconee Regional Airport. Kevin Short, airport manager, says coinciding with moving the clocks forward one hour effective 2am Sunday, March 14 the airport terminal will remain open one hour later. “In the winter time when we go into Standard Time we close the airport FPO operation one hour earlier at 6pm but now that we’re going back to longer days and more daylight hours we are going to expand the airport operating hours from 6pm to 7pm.” A cold February meant a slow month in airport revenue. Short told the Oconee County Aeronautics Commission that revenues were $38,000 and hopes that expanding hours will mean more revenues.
Airport moving dirt for new runway (3/10/10)
Currently dirt-hauling trucks parallel the Oconee Regional Airport runway as a Georgia company moves dirt a distance of 7,000 feet to prepare for a project to lengthen the runway. Oconee Regional Airport Director Kevin Short explains, “The company is working very hard installing erosion control measures on site to get those in place they’ve been taking advantage of the good weather we’ve had over the last week or so to do those measures. They’re working from sun up basically to sun down on the project and we’re doing all we can to make sure they do it safely.” The hauling means temporary delays for motorists on both Shiloh and Mount Nebo Church roads. Short said the runway extension will generate more revenues for the airport, “The 600 foot extension will bring the airport runway to a total length of 5,000 feet and allow us to service larger businesses which we hopefully will be able to sell them more fuel and increase our revenues at the airport.”
Airport receives advice from FAA visitor (3/10/10)
Oconee Regional Airport Director Kevin Short describes the federal government's chief aviation agency as having been generous to the county's rural airport. But Short now says he learned in a visit last week from an FAA representative that the Oconee County airport should not hold out much hope in seeing its wish list funded during next year's federal budget. In fact, Short says, he was advised that, at best, Oconee County should count on approval of only one out of four items requested. Short says the top priority should be fencing the airport perimeter, to keep deer and other wildlife away from the runway. Deer on the runway is not the only thing that a pilot must worry about. Like any motorized vehicle riding on pavement, road debris can present a hazard. Recently, local airport supporters walked the runway and scooped up foreign object debris. Short says fewer than 10 pieces of metal were found on the runway.
PRWD to negotiate building job with J. Davis (3/10/10)
Pioneer Rural Water District representatives this week will negotiate a contract with J. Davis Construction to allow the Oconee County contractor to build their new office, shed, and warehouse. The Pioneer board gave its go ahead Tuesday, after learning that J. Davis's bid was the lowest of seven submitted and the only one offered by a local contractor. Pioneer general manager Terry Pruitt and the water district's bond attorney, Robert Galloway, are planning a meeting with J. Davis, with the idea of Pioneer chairman Mike Foster and vice-chairman Barry Stevenson signing the contract no later than March 18. On Tuesday, the Pioneer board approved a 26-page resolution which commits the water retailer to borrowing most of what it will take to construct the building. According to Pruitt, Pioneer will borrow $600,000 thru the state's Revolving Loan Fund and use on-hand funds for the rest. It is anticipated that the final construction price will fall in the neighborhood of $800,000.
CSFD petition mailing imminent (3/10/10)
After a delay, the Corinth-Shiloh Fire Department expects to mail the letter petitions in pursuit of its tax district in the coming days. Corinth-Shiloh Fire Department President Brandon Price says he and the other volunteers found the task of ensuring that every letter was correctly addressed greater than anticipated. By the weekend, they had completed 3,000 of the approximate 3,700 letters. Price says, "Our plans were to mail what we have on Monday of this week, but the Post Office has to weigh one letter for us and oddly enough, there is only one person who can do this at the Seneca Post Office and she was off Monday and Tuesday. My plan is to stop at every Post Office on my way home Wednesday and get a weight. Once we get the weight, we will put them in the mail. The remaining 700 letters should be in the mail by next week."
Clemson Coach to earn $1.75M (3/10/10)
Dabo Swinney will earn $900,000 more this season than last, while his assistants at Clemson will receive raises totaling $495,000. The school's athletic department released the salary figures on Tuesday, a day after a committee of Clemson's trustees recommended the increases. Swinney's salary will rise to $1.75 million after the Tigers reached the ACC championship game in 2009. Swinney's original contract called for a salary of $800,000. He also received a $50,000 bonus for winning the ACC Atlantic Division. Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele received a raise of $200,000 and Offensive coordinator Billy Napier got a bump of $75,000.
Clemson students to use Spring Break for Service (3/10/10)
A group of 32 students from Clemson University will spend March 13 through 19 in Atlanta, Ga. and Virginia Beach, Va. performing community service. In Virginia Beach the group will focus on working with children of deployed military parents. Students in Atlanta will help families who were affected by the floods in September. The Alternative Break Program is a student-led effort that uses the fall and spring breaks for service-learning trips. The trips mix service and recreation. Clemson faculty and staff members will travel with the groups to act as learning-partners to take advantage of teachable moments. The adviser for the Alternative Break Program, Zarak Khan, said students look at national issues, then pick the destinations for the service-learning trips. Khan said students chose Atlanta to help families affected by winter floods. Students will repair homes and will aid residents by helping with job searches and childcare. The focus of service in Virginia Beach will be with the military population. Students will work at a local homeless shelter and work with children of deployed parents at the local YMCA. Students will help build a victory garden to celebrate their parents' service. While most of the trips are devoted to service, students are given the opportunity to experience other activities. Students in Virginia Beach will have the chance to visit the aquarium, the beach or a theme park. “I think that there is a misconception that when you are doing service it isn’t as relaxing as the typical spring break. I think a lot of people enjoy the service aspect of it. It is a chance to explore a new place and the trip is relatively inexpensive,” said Khan. Students will meet new friends, have new experiences and interact with staff and faculty members outside of the classroom. It is an opportunity for students to learn leadership skills and get work experience, Khan said.
WHS student wins Poetry Contest (3/10/10)
A 10th grader at Walhalla High School is a winner in a poetry and poster contest held to celebrate National Career Development Month. Kaitlyn Cain and 45 other winners advance to the national finals. There, in recent years, South Carolina entrants have fared well. The competition gives students hands-on exposure to art and literature careers.
Smoky Mountain Facilities Reopening This Weekend (3/10/10)
Some seasonal facilities in the Great Smoky Mountains will reopen this weekend. Five of the park's seasonal campgrounds will open on Friday. Those sites are Abrams Creek, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Cosby and Elkmont. Group camping will be available beginning Friday at Big Creek, Cataloochee, Cosby and Cades Cove. The Collins Creek picnic area will open Friday followed by the Sugarlands riding stable on Saturday. The Little Greenbrier and Straight Fork and Round Bottom secondary roads are to open for the season Friday as well. The park, the nation's most visited, has 9.4 million tourists annually.
Publix Recalls Some Seasoning Mixes (3/10/10)
Publix Super Markets, which has more than 1,000 stores in five Southern states, has voluntarily recalled four kinds of seasoning mixes that may possibly be contaminated with salmonella. Publix said that it has taken the store-brand mixes off of its shelves. Shoppers may return them for a full refund. The grocery store operator said that the mixes were made with hydrolyzed vegetable protein supplied by Basic Food Flavors, which is based in Las Vegas. Consumers who eat products tainted with salmonella could suffer serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly young children, frail or elderly persons and others with weakened immune systems. A Publix spokesperson said that there have been no reported cases of illness with these products. Visit publix.com for more information on the store's recalls.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Seneca Police arrest Five Burglars (3/9/10)
Five young people were arrested over the weekend for stealing blankets from a vacant house in Seneca. Pete Normandin, Major of Operations for the Seneca Police Department gives details, “On March 6th around 1am officers responded to 112 Daniel Avenue in reference to a follow up on a residence that had been vacant and it appeared someone had entered unlawfully. When officers responded they noticed the door had been kicked in where a day earlier they had secured it. An investigation showed that five subjects had entered or received property from inside the residence. They were located at 103 Boggs Drive in the City of Seneca. Those five people are 21-year-old Timothy Wade Phillips Jr. of Westminster, 19-year-old Wendy Christina Silano of Seneca, 20-year-old Cameron Shane Hendrix of Seneca, 20-year-old Shaylonda Marie Jimenez of Seneca, and 28-year-old Christopher Ray McElreath of Seneca. The subjects were arrested for burglary of 112 Daniel Avenue as well as petit larceny.” All five suspects were booked on the two charges at the Oconee County Detention Center in Walhalla.
Officers accused of Wrong might face Lie Detectors (3/9/10)
Police officers in South Carolina accused of wrongdoing might face lie detector tests in order to keep their jobs. The director of the state Criminal Justice Academy said the tests are among changes being considered to create a fairer and more thorough review for officers accused of wrongdoing. Director Hubert Harrell says he's also considering an outside, impartial panel to hear appeals of decisions banning officers from law enforcement. Harrell says South Carolina should consider joining more than two dozen states participating in a national database that tracks more than 11,000 officers who have been stripped of their badges. Harrell says those ideas could improve the state's ability to monitor the 16,000 law enforcement officers in South Carolina.
Boil Water Advisory in Pendleton (3/9/10)
People who live in Pendleton are being asked to boil their water today. Pendleton water works says pressure will be lost for four hours. The advisory affects: Magnolia Pointe subdivision, Long Road, Seawright Drive, Wellford Drive, South Elm Street, Church Street, East Blueridge Street, Maxwell Avenue, McGee Street, and Lebanon Road from Long Road to the town limit sign. Water should be boiled for a least one minute before drinking.
Seneca Municipal Election Today (3/9/10)
Today seven candidates will vie for the four open seats on the Seneca City Council. The polling location for the municipal election is the Shaver Recreation Complex, 698 West South Fourth Street. This is a nonpartisan election and no party affiliation will be on the ballot. Polls open at 7am and close at 7pm. Four of the candidates are incumbents, Andrea Alewine, Warren Bright, Ernest “E” Riley, and Joel Ward. The three new comers vying for office are Scott Durham, Ronald Knoerr, and Stuart Pohl. The top four vote getters will serve four-year terms on the Seneca City Council. Here are the seven candidates running for Seneca City Council:
1) Andrea Alewine is single and a life-long Seneca resident. She has served the last four years on the Seneca City Council and before that served three-years on the Seneca Planning Commission. Her top priorities if re-elected are to fill downtown storefronts and to remove derelict homes and buildings within the city limits. Alewine promises voters to use her qualifications to serve the citizens of Seneca to the best of her abilities. “I am a public servant with the pleasure of the majority as my main goal,” stated Alewine.
2) Warren Bright is also a life-long Seneca resident and is married with two children. He is a ten-year member of the Seneca City Council, having served for two-years on the Planning Commission prior to that. His top priority if re-elected is to improve the health, safety, and welfare of citizens as it relates to the water plant chemical change, protecting vital facilities of the city, improving processes and procedures, and continued support to keep the Fire and Police Departments strong. He views the poor economic conditions and its effect on the city’s budget as the main issue facing the city. “I will be a representative of the citizens. I will work to protect them and maintain their quality of life,” said Bright.
3) Ernest “E” Riley is married with two children and two grandchildren. A Seneca native, Riley has served the past 12-years on the City Council. His top priority if re-elected is a balanced budget in an era of state cuts to local government funds, downtown revitalization, and continued improvement of the city’s infrastructure. He sees the main issue facing the city as bringing more businesses downtown to increase the tax base. “I promise to continue to serve as a positive voice for growth and to work with others to bring in jobs,” said Riley.
4) Joel Ward has lived in Seneca for 42-years with his wife and two children. He has been on the Seneca City Council for the last eight years and views industry and jobs as his top priority if re-elected to the City Council. He views quality of life and cost of service as the main issues facing the city. “I promise to voters to continue the progress made over the last eight years,” exclaimed Ward.
5) Scott Durham is a life-long Seneca resident. He is married with three children and has a grandchild. He has served the City of Seneca on the Board of Architectural Review for the last two years and thinks jobs, financial stability, and low taxes are the top priorities if elected. The main issues facing the city as Durham sees it are revitalizing downtown, encouraging growth, and taking a pay as you go approach to government spending. “I promise to continue great progress, represent the people, and treat the people I represent with dignity and help all I can if elected,” stated Durham.
6) Ronald Knoerr is married with two children and a grandchild. He has lived in Seneca for over 50 years and has served on the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority for the last 13 years. Knoerr sees improving utilities and roads as his top priority if elected. He feels keeping taxes and fees as low as possible are main issues facing the city. “My promise to voters if elected is to listen to all citizens as I believe in open government,” said Knoerr.
7) Stuart Pohl is married with two children and a grandchild. He has lived in Seneca for the past 12-years and has served on the city’s Hospitality and Accommodations Tax Committee for the last year and a half. His top priority if elected is to improve upon the budgeting process and lower operating costs in the city. He views the economy as the main issue facing the city. “I promise to open up city government to citizens through the city’s website and meetings,” said Pohl.
Winter Weather Outlook (3/9/10)
After a cold week and one snow day, residents are beginning to wish for warmer temperatures and an early spring. Despite the unusually long stretch of constant cold weather for the Upstate, no records have been set for low temperatures. WSPA News channel 7 meteorologist Dan Bickford explains, “When you look at records this winter, very few of those in terms of low temperatures and snow, but when you add it all together it has been one of our coldest winters in quit some time. The reason for that is actually El Nino, a warming of waters in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. It happens in cycles and when that happens it throws off the weather patterns a bit and it tends to mean for the Southern states a colder and wetter winter.” Bickford anticipates that warmer weather is ahead for the Upstate, “It has been colder than normal and we’re still above normal for our precipitation. Sometimes when you cross the cold and the wet, you get snow and we have had our few bouts of wintry weather. It does look like we will see some nicer weather ahead. We’ve also got some outlooks that say that El Nino will break down by mid-spring and by summertime we may be looking at above normal temperatures during the summer.” As far as an early spring or warm temperatures on Easter, Bickford estimates that we should see some relief from the constant cold, “Naturally our temperatures are going to be warming up simply because we do get warmer this time of year and our normal highs by Easter will be in the 60s. Still as we go through our outlook for mid-Spring is for our temperatures to be on average with some above average precipitation and by late spring and summer we’ll breakout of that pattern.” So far this March, temperatures in the Golden Corner have averaged near 55 for the high and 32 for the low. Conversely, in February, the high only reached 60 degrees or higher four times in the 28-day month and the low was below freezing 18 times.
Public Input Requested on CDBGs (3/9/10)
Rain is in the forecast this week and so is Dan Wagner. The representative of the government service agency South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments will be present for three public meetings, to gather feedback on how to use government grant money. Both Seneca and Walhalla are interested in acquiring Community Development Block Grants to bring new life to the infrastructure inside a pair of former textile communities. A 5pm hearing tonight at Seneca City Hall is designed for public comment and questions about what's seen as the fourth and final phase of the Utica Mill Village sewer makeover. A second hearing takes place 5pm Thursday evening in the Oconee County Council chambers in Walhalla. And one hour later on Thursday, beginning at 6pm, Wagner will hear from the public and others at Walhalla City Hall about the potential of a CDBG to replace both water and sewer lines in the city's old mill hill.
TCTC Career Fair rescheduled for Wednesday (3/9/10)
Due to the winter weather last week, Tri-County Technical College’s 17th Annual College and Career Fair has been rescheduled for this Wednesday from 9am to 1pm in the Student Center on the Pendleton campus. Several local employers will be accepting resumes from job seekers and college representatives from across the state will be available to speak with students about their educational goals. The event is an opportunity for soon-to-be graduates and persons who are looking for employment to talk about employment opportunities with recruiters and managers and to develop a network of career contacts.
State of Oconee County Luncheon this month (3/9/10)
Plans have been announced for this year’s State of Oconee County Luncheon. The director of the Thurmond Institute of Government and Public Affairs at Clemson University, Dr. Robert Becker, will keynote this year's Chamber of Commerce State of Oconee County Luncheon. The event is planned for March 31 from 11:30am to 1pm at the Gignilliat Community Center in Seneca. The public is invited. As an Oconee County resident and business owner, Dr. Becker has a special interest in the people, the economy, and the natural resources of the county as they shape the future. His expertise includes research into natural resources and rural and community development. The State of Oconee County is a yearly event that provides a chance for those in business, industry, education, and the public to get up-to-do information on the county. A panel discussion featuring representatives from county government, Fair Play, Salem, Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, and West Union is also scheduled. For tickets, contact the Oconee County Chamber Office at 864-882-2097. Chamber member tickets are $15 and non-member tickets are $20.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Gas Line Break forces Evacuations (3/8/10)
An accident Saturday morning near Walhalla caused a gas line break and forced emergency officials to evacuate residents and businesses as a precautionary measure. The accident happened at 8:15am on Westminster Highway, about three miles west of Walhalla. According to Billy Elder with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a pickup truck driven by 37-year-old David Ralph Nash Jr., of Pickens, was traveling north on Westminster Highway when he went off the right side of the roadway and struck the gas main and a utility pole. Oconee County Emergency Services Director and Chief Rodney Burdette said that the gas line break forced rescue crews to evacuate people within a half mile radius of the accident. Utility and emergency crews assisted with the evacuation, and around 5pm Saturday afternoon, people were allowed to return to their homes. Elder says that Nash was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured, but he was cited for driving too fast for conditions.
Latest on new Walhalla High School (3/8/10)
The latest on a new Walhalla High School is expected to be reviewed privately this week by the Board of Trustees for the School District of Oconee County. At the bottom of Tuesday night's agenda are personnel items and contractual matter and one concerns the location of a new Walhalla High School. School Board Chairman Andy Inabinett said that it's time the trustees get moving on what to do about a new high school. And he says Tuesday they'll be talking more about the four properties proposed, as well as whether there's any change in what the property owners would require to part with their property. The chairman says he believes a property will be selected this year, but he's not sure if it'll be at the meeting this week.
Sen Alexander honored at Boy Scout Fundraiser (3/8/10)
Thursday night, movers and shakers in Oconee County gathered at the Gignilliat Gym in Seneca to raise money for Boy Scouts in Oconee County. Currently there are 1,934 kids in Oconee County participating in the Scouting Program, but through the community’s generosity, Boy Scouts hopes to add even more young men to the program. “We have the opportunity to put an awful lot of kids in scouting that don’t have the money or can’t afford the uniform, book, or whatever. That’s what all this money goes towards, to make sure that any boy that wants to be a part of scouting gets that opportunity,” explained Chad Duggins, district executive of Boy Scouts for the Oconee County District. Scouting promises youth the great outdoors. As a Scout, boys learn how to camp and hike and how to take care of the land. Scouts study wildlife up close and learn about nature. There are plenty of skills to master, and even the opportunity to teach others what you have learned. “Our fundraising goal this year is $98,000 and so far we have raised $28, 000,” added Duggins. “We hope to reach our goal by the end of May when we conclude our fundraising campaign.” Money raised will stay in Oconee County to support the Scouting program and provide more opportunities for less fortunate kids. Boy Scouts is available to boys who are at least 10 years old or have completed the fifth grade through 18 years old. The program prides itself on developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness. “The purpose of the Boy Scouts is help young people make ethical choices over their lifetime based upon the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law,” stated Mike Bernhard, Scout CEO of the Blue Ridge Council for Boy Scouts of America. “Scouting becomes a lifestyle with our scouts and leaders in the way they conduct themselves, by making good choices over their lifetime based on these values.” At the fundraising dinner, the Scouting community also honored state Senator Thomas Alexander for his many years of service and his tireless efforts to better the Upstate and South Carolina as a whole. “Senator Alexander has been in the state Senate for 16 years and the state House for eight years prior to that,” said Dr. Ed Evans, a local physician with Family Medicine Practice in Seneca. “He has done a considerable amount of health related legislation over the years that have been very important and so we wanted to honor him for his contributions to the community particularly in the realm of health care related legislation.” Dr. Evans presented Senator Alexander with a plaque and thanked him for his work in health care related legislation. The correlation between health care and Scouts was evident in the creed delivered by the local scouts who where on hand for the fundraising dinner. Sighting the Scout Oath, they said “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law. To help other people at all times, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” And they’re message was also made clear in the Scout Law of; “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” Senator Alexander was gracious in accepting the plaque and declaration from the Scouts and health care community. He sang the praises of the Scouting program as a way to keep kids healthy and fit while at the same time teaching them strong values and an appreciation of the great outdoors. “Scouting is a tremendous program that shapes the lives of our young people into outstanding adults,” said Senator Thomas Alexander. “It’s a program that means so much to our community and it’s great to see the community’s support for the Scouting Program. The different things that it teaches really instill so much into our young boys.” Senator Alexander also encouraged those in the audience to donate to the program so more kids could have the opportunity to benefit from scouting. “I believe in Scouts and I’ve been involved with the Friends of Scouting Program for more years than I can remember because I’m convinced of the value and what it means. However, it takes volunteers and money for it to be successful. Our community is such a caring community and steps up to the plate. Scouts would not be successful if not for the support of adults making a difference in their lives.” More adults are needed to help scouting flourish in Oconee County. The district is encouraging Eagle Scouts, who been away from the program to get back involved as group leaders and role models. “I would like to see more volunteers and former Eagle Scouts return to our district,” added Duggins. “Anyone wishing to get involved or those wishing to donate to our program can call me at 864-886-9393.” This is the 100th anniversary of Boy Scouts and the district has several things planned throughout the year to honor the program that has touched so many lives and made positive differences in boys becoming men.
Awards presented for annual Tornado Poster Contest (3/8/10)
On Friday, awards were presented for this years’ School Tornado Safety Poster Contest conducted by Oconee County Emergency Services. The contest is open to students in first through sixth grades. Oconee County Emergency Services Director and Chief Rodney Burdette said the poster contest is a great way to educate students and parents about tornado safety. Audrey Hunt, a 2nd grader at Northside Elementary, was selected as the Grand Prize winner. In addition to a cash award, she received a weather alert radio. First place winners received awards of $45, second place winners were awarded $25, and honorable mention awards of $15 went to the six grade level winners as well. The winning posters will be on display in the County Administrative Building until the end of March. Oconee County rest in an area prone to tornados explained Oconee County Emergency Services Deputy Director Scott Krein. The purpose of the contest is to educate children on the dangers of tornadoes and protective actions that should be taken in the event of a tornado in their area.
FIRST LEGO Championship held in SC (3/8/10)
The FIRST LEGO State Championship in South Carolina was held Saturday at Clemson University. Eighty teams from across the state battled for the top spot with robots made out of LEGOS. They were competing not only for the state title but also a trip to the first World Festival Tournament in Atlanta next month. The championship went to a team from the Center for Inquiry in Richland County. Teams were judged on how well their LEGO robots were able to complete certain tasks on an obstacle in two and a half minutes. They were also judged on robot programming, design, and teamwork. The judges gave out a total of 21 awards.
CAT goes Google Maps (3/8/10)
Using Clemson Area Transit is now easier, with route, schedule and trip planning just a mouse click away. CAT Director Al Babinicz told Clemson officials about the marriage of Google Maps with CAT’s online route and scheduling access. Babinicz said CAT’s use of it is the first in South Carolina. The function not only allows trip planning but also allows CAT users accessing the Internet to pinpoint the nearest regular stops to their location, the bus schedule for that stop and directions to get there. About 80 regular stops are listed with the system. The integration with Google “was designed to increase ridership and bring new riders,” said Babinicz. The new feature will be marketed as part of the student orientation concerning the CAT system. The bus service currently connects Seneca, Clemson, Central, Pendleton and Anderson as well as Clemson University, Tri-County Tech, Southern Wesleyan University and Anderson University. It is supported by a combination of federal and state grants, funds from Clemson University and funding from the cities it connects. In terms of ridership, the CAT is the largest fare-free bus service in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The system carried over 2 million riders last year.
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